For the next four days, my cousin tries to cheer me up. Even though I had received some good news regarding my lymph nodes, considering, I knew what was ahead of me. I had cared for my aunt for a brief period of time some years back. She was sick herself, with breast cancer. Even though she fought, she later passed, and I saw how much she suffered when she was alive. My cousin’s efforts were in vain. All I could think of was, why am I starting my new year like this? Anyway, I decided to shake off the fear. October 20th finally arrives, and I get calls from my family sending wishes and prayers for healing and strength. That morning, I wake up early, go to mass, and come back home. My cousin, aunt and I made plans to go out and have lunch to commemorate the occasion. It must have been around 11:30 am. My cousin tells me to go and get ready so that we can go out to lunch. Apparently, there was some new restaurant that he wanted us to try with the promise that I would love it. So I’m in the shower, scrub-a-dub-dub!!!
At 12:15 pm, he tells me to hurry up or we will lose our reservation. I ask him if I should wear heels or flats and he said I was fine either way. I come out of my room and as I head downstairs and towards the kitchen all I hear is,
“Surprise!!!”
I am so befuddled. Standing in the kitchen and coming towards me is my youngest brother, Victor. I give him a big hug. But nothing surprised me as much as seeing my follower, the one whose name I said was also Christian. This is because he had flown in from Canada the night before with every intent to see me. It was as if I had seen a ghost, I was so overwhelmed. Then I nearly fainted when I saw my sweet sister Sandra walk out of the kitchen with her three sons (all of whom I absolutely adore by the way) and they all gave me bear hugs. As if that wasn’t enough, her husband Michael who is also a big brother to me walks out and embraces me, and then his sister -Miranda, walks out too. Then, my aunt, Maggie pops her head out too. Then follows Aunt Mary. I am filled with so much joy. I couldn’t remember the last time someone did something so thoughtful and selfless for me. I later found out that my cousin Christian, my brother Christian, and the main orchestrator -Sandra were behind all the planning. If I tell you that I was grateful, I have lied. I was very very very grateful! It seemed as if they all knew exactly what I was going through, and wanted to be there for me and let me know I was not alone. And indeed, I wasn’t. I have the best family support from my siblings and my parents, and a super-duper awesome circle of friends. I don’t have many, but those I do have I would never trade for anything in the world!
Flowers came out, a birthday cake came out (or should I say, two?) 🙂 Balloons and drinks were out, toasts were made, glasses were clinked, prayers were offered, wishes were made, candles were blown, pictures were taken, laughter was shared, tears were shed, the wine was drunk, gifts were opened… I could go on and on. But why mess up a good thing. You can see it for yourself.
Now here’s the fun part, when I was in shock. You have to promise not to laugh at me. You promise? Ok, here goes.
Still Crying…
So grateful…
Then came the birthday song…
Then came the gifts…
And more gifts…
Before I go, I would like to express this: I know I don’t tell you enough, but I love you Sandra, I love you Christian, and I love you Ache. You guys are
great. Scratch that. You guys are the best siblings anyone could ask for. You brought tears to my eyes. Tears of joy, that is. Thank you so much!
My brother Danny Ngubod was missing but hopefully next time you’ll be with us! Well, I suppose I’ll leave it at that… you get the idea. But this is not where the story ends. To know what happens next, you better click. Like, click here now!
Not sure at what point of my journey you’re on? Be sure to check out The Contents Page.
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